The Tourism Economy isn’t Sustainable
The Film Festival is over Today the streets were wet The wind blew cold. Shops on State Street were empty Vitality has taken a hit Feel the sting of the economic malaise Maybe a cruise ship is heading our…
How State Street has changed my social life
A colleague recently told me, "It can take 10 years to make friends here in Santa Barbara." I'm here 7 years, so I knew exactly where I was on the curve, but then something happened in 2023 – the City…
Jessica Grant, Supervising Transportation Planner
There's been a lot of emphasis recently on bicycle-friendly streets. Traffic reduction strategies near downtown, new infrastructure to keep the volume of vehicles low. Pedestrians and bicyclists are the beneficiaries – it feels safer navigating my way around the downtown…
Cliff Maurer, Public Works Director – City of Santa Barbara
There will be a ballot measure in March 2024 It will ask voters to allow a change in how Public Works projects are bid. This change to the city's charter must go to the voters. Today all Public Works projects,…
Cota Street bike lane
Public Works Director Rebecca Bjork arrived on her brand new electric bike. Mayor Murillo brought the scissors. City Council members Gregg Hart and Kristen Sneddon came to show their support. A dozen enthusiastic bike riders cheered them on as everyone…
Portland’s Roger Geller: Horses then Donkeys
A group of 11 from Santa Barbara's Bike Coalition visited Portland last month. We went to ride the infrastructure and meet the people that make it happen, like Roger Geller, Bicycle Coordinator at Portland's Bureau of Transportation, pictured with Santa…